The BEST Chili (Mom's Secret Recipe)!

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4.9 from 66 votes

Mom's Secret Chili recipe combines ground beef with an array of spices including chili powder, cumin, oregano, and chipotle powder, plus beans, tomatoes, and beef broth. The chili is richly flavored, moderately spicy, and textured with beans and bell peppers, simmered to develop deep, complex flavors.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

1 hr

Total Time

1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 8

Calories: 634 kcal

Course: Side Dish, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Ground Beef

2 ½ pounds ground beef (regular)
¾ teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon chili powder

Chili

1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil cooking oil of choice, generic cooking oil
1 cup onion (chopped)
1 jalapeño (seeded and finely diced, optional)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoon oregano dried
2 teaspoon chili flakes (or cayenne pepper, optional)
2 teaspoon chipotle powder ( or smoked paprika)
2 bay leaf
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
2 tablespoon chocolate (dark or semi-sweet, chips or bar optional)
1 green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
14 ½ ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
19 ounces red kidney beans (canned, drained & rinsed)
19 ounces pinto beans (canned, drained and rinsed (optional, sub with red kidney beans))
14 ½ ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
2 ½ cups beef broth
2 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar (sub honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice)
1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine vinegar, balsamic, or apple cider, optional)
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cup of Yum

In a large bowl, combine the beef, salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, baking soda, and water. Using your hands or a spoon, mix until evenly combined. Let the beef mixture sit on the counter for 15 minutes.
In a large pot on medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, garlic, and jalapeno. Sauté for 4 - 6 minutes until softened. Add the beef and increase the heat to high. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat into ¼" pieces. Sauté until the beef has browned, about 10 - 12 minutes. Note: The beef will release a lot of liquid during the cooking process. Do not drain the liquid. The fat will be skimmed off at the end, if needed and it adds flavor and improves the texture of the beef while cooking.
Add in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, bay leaf, chipotle powder or smoked paprika and cinnamon (optional). Stirring frequently, sauté for 1 - 2 minutes, until well combined and fragrant.
Add in the green pepper, tomatoes, beans, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, and chocolate (optional). Stir until evenly incorporated. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered 45-60 minutes or until chili has reached desired thickness.Optional: Stir in vinegar and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
Once the chili has reached your desired thickness, skim off any fat as desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro or other favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 634kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 40g (80%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 14g (70%) Trans Fat 2g (100%) Cholesterol 101mg (34%) Sodium 1525mg (64%) Potassium 1451mg (31%) Fiber 15g (60%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 1509IU (30%) Vitamin C 28mg (31%) Calcium 155mg (16%) Iron 9mg (50%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 634

% Daily Value*

Calories	634kcal	32%
Carbohydrates	49g	16%
Protein	40g	80%
Fat	32g	49%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g	12%
Monounsaturated Fat	14g	70%
Trans Fat	2g	100%
Cholesterol	101mg	34%
Sodium	1525mg	64%
Potassium	1451mg	31%
Fiber	15g	60%
Sugar	9g	18%
Vitamin A	1509IU	30%
Vitamin C	28mg	31%
Calcium	155mg	16%
Iron	9mg	50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.